MMA S.B. 591 75(R)BILL ANALYSIS


HIGHER EDUCATION
S.B. 591
By: Gallegos (Bailey)
4-30-97
Committee Report (Unamended)



BACKGROUND 

The University of Houston-Downtown (UH-D) is the only general academic
institution in the state that is statutorily precluded from offering
course work beyond a baccalaureate degree. UHD is an open admissions
public university which serves the multi-cultural population of Houston
and surrounding counties. The university plans to develop graduate
programs on a small scale. An expanded mission statement which could
contemplate this legislation has already been approved by the Texas Higher
Education Coordinating Board (THECB). All programs would still have to be
approved by the board of regents and THECB. 

PURPOSE

S.B. 591 eliminates statutory language precluding UH-D from offering
graduate level courses. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any
additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency or
institution. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 111.92, Education Code, as follows:
Sec. 111.92. ROLE AND SCOPE.  Requires the University of Houston-Downtown
to offer graduate programs contingent upon the approval by the board of
regents and the THECB. 

SECTION 2. Emergency clause.